It’s shopping season, and we wanted to make it easy for those looking to support military and veteran small businesses this year. So, we created a one-stop shop for legitimate military, veteran, and milso-owned businesses. We’ve witnessed firsthand the passion and creativity poured into these shops and the impact your purchases can make on their families + for those reasons hope you opt to shop small for a few thoughtful purchases this year and giveback to a community that sacrifices so much!
glow candle co.
I’m Jennifer – the creator behind glow candle co. When I originally began in Okinawa in 2022, my goal was to create candles for my family and friends in scents we couldn’t get shipped to us on the island. I purchased candle making supplies from someone with PCS orders – and I’ve been pouring candles and candle refill kits ever since! My focus is sustainable, clean ingredients – with scents that make anywhere feel like home. From Japan, to Louisiana, and currently based in Colorado with worldwide shipping, I hope you find a scent that connects you to your favorite places and people.
Made from coconut-apricot wax, a wooden wick, and scents inspired by the places the military sends us, our candles are vegan, soy-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, carcinogen-free, and non-toxic. What makes us truly glow are our refill kits – you can refill a candle at home in under 5 minutes. Our signature candles and refill kits are offered in a variety of year-round core scents, seasonal scents, and limited edition monthly candle club scents.
Skin Clique
My name is Niki Bodine, I’m a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with over 9 years of experience in primary care, pain management and aesthetics. I’m also a mom and have been an Army wife for the last 14 years. At Skin Clique, we are focused on concierge aesthetic services including neurotoxin (commonly known as botox), chemicals peels, dermaplaning, dermal filler, microneedling and all things skincare. With Skin Clique’s concierge model, we bring self-care to you! Which as a busy mom and wife who moves around every 2-3 years, I fully understand how quickly self-care takes the back seat. I’m hoping to introduce our wonderful community to Skin Clique and help connect military wives to local Skin Clique providers so that they can make sure self-care is prioritized. We are currently stationed at Fort Carson, CO so if you are local to this area, I would love to connect with you and help you with your skincare needs!
Another beautiful benefit to Skin Clique is that I offer skincare consults and provide recommendations for medical grade skincare routines for all sorts of skincare concerns including acne, redness, dark spots, wrinkles, anti-aging, etc. Skincare consultations can be done virtually for anyone in the continental U.S.!
I will be giving away a free ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish ($23 value) to the first 5 people to book with me if they mention “WAF Holiday Guide”.
Frau Line
In the fighter jet community, an aviator’s spouse is affectionately referred to as the “Frau”. Frau Line is a salute – a toast to all the loved ones holding it down, keeping the family together and (of course) putting up with all the fighter pilot lingo. While the wines are the products we produce, our goal is to provide a way for all Fraus to bond and share that same sense of community. Our handcrafted Frau Line wines are estate farmed in Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Reserve Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, Brut Sparkling Wine, and Riesling.
Use code WAFFRAU for 10% off. All orders include ground shipping at no charge to all available states. (*Excludes Alaska & Hawaii. Additionally, wine shipments are unfortunately not permitted in AL, AR, CT, DE, KY, MI, MS, MT, RI, SD, & UT.)
Rue_sterations
Hello, my name is Miranda, I own a small small business called Rue_sterations, named after one of my amazing pups Rue! In South Carolina I was using my page for furniture flipping photos, then as we all have experienced, the miltiary came along and moved us to New Mexico where my furniture market drastically changed. I started learning more about crochet while my husband was deployed and now I make all sorts of things with yarn!
My top items are my coffee koozies, my lined crossbody bags, and my market bags. I also make seasonal items, carrots, trees, bunnies, blankets, etc.
Headwaters Haus
Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable getaway at our cozy family-owned riverfront cabin in Creede, Colorado. Nestled in the heart of a picturesque mountain town, the retreat offers 2 primary suites, stunning river and mountain views, and all the comforts of home, including a modern, upgraded, fully stocked kitchen. Relax by the fireplace or soak in the scenery from the spacious deck overlooking the river. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this is the ultimate mountain escape for a holiday to remember.
We are offering 15% off to military families using code HHWAF15. As a military family, we know how important it is to reconnect and recharge. *Blackout dates June – Aug, Nov 24-28, Dec 22-26
Charliemadison Originals
Founded by a military spouse and named after her daughters, Charliemadison Originals is a mother-daughter company creating jewelry that unites the military community, inspires connection through all seasons of military life, and gives back to nonprofit organizations. Charliemadison isn’t just decorating your wrist – our meaningful jewelry is your anchor to faraway family and friends, and strengthens ties to those you love, despite the years and miles. 5% of your purchase is given back to nonprofits that support military service members and their families.
Get 20% off with code WAF2024 – valid through 12/31/24
WOMAN + WARRIOR
Woman + Warrior is an apparel brand line for the military family; because we deserve to BE SEEN, FEEL GOOD, and LOOK GREAT while doing this thing called “Military Life”. Our high-quality, on-trend apparel is both designed and produced BY a military spouse FOR the military spouse, including significant others, military service members, veterans, and our B.R.A.T.s (Brave, Resilient, Adaptable, and Tough military kids!).
This holiday season, use code: WAF20 to enjoy 20% OFF your entire purchase now through December 5th, 2024.
Love and Lettering by Katie
As an Air Force spouse of 16+ years, currently stationed in the National Capitol Region, Love and Lettering by Katie was born out of a desire to create something that could inspire joy and connection, no matter where military life takes us. I specialize in handmade gifts that celebrate life’s unique moments, with a special focus on military families. This holiday season, I’m excited to feature my Hand-Painted and Hand-Lettered Wood Slice Ornaments—the perfect way to showcase where the military has sent you and capture those special places in a heartfelt, personal keepsake. I’ll also be highlighting the Pet Post-It Note and Sticker Bundle because we can’t forget our furry friends who bring us comfort and joy, no matter where we call home.
Be on the lookout for sales throughout the holiday season, but you can also enjoy 10% off your entire purchase with code WAFS10. To ensure delivery before Christmas, all orders must be placed by Tuesday, December 3. If sending to APO/FPO addresses, please place your order by mid-November.
ComfiNest
The mission of ComfiNest is to meet everybody’s sleep needs during pregnancy and beyond. Founder Janine Miller has reinvented the look and use of a pregnancy pillow by bringing together the best eco-friendly, ethically sourced materials. The result? A luxurious, organic, soft, supportive pillow unlike any other.
Holiday discount will be applied at checkout. Use code MILSPO15 to receive 15% off any product order, offer expires on 12/31/24.
The Bonny Knot
Hi, I’m Taylor from The Bonny Knot! I’m a registered nurse turned stay at home mom and a wife to my veteran Air Force pilot husband. I was in desperate need of an outlet after my boys’ bed time to unpack the day in some peace and quiet so I turned to what I do best—creating art! The Bonny Knot started as hand embroidery and then evolved into a catch-all for things that make my heart happy, especially polymer clay jewelry and real pressed flower jewelry. I find hand sculpting tiny little flowers out of clay to be therapeutic for my busy mind. How cool it is that they happen to be sentimental pieces that can be passed down for years to come. I enjoy every second of what I do and I think you’ll see it in the little details of my work, all done by hand. I’d love to offer 10% off of my Etsy store with the code “WAF10”
In The Clouds
Hi, I’m Gabriela, a Navy pilot spouse who loves to create! I love creating aviation themed products that help bring a unique spin to our community. I started my business as a way to stay home with my girls while still having an outlet to do the thing I love, create! This years’ featured items are stained glass inspired ornaments as well as a Christmas tree aircraft ornament, and embroidered hand towel! Use code WAFHOLIDAY for 10% off your order!
Shug’s Baked Goods
Hi! I am Lauren Thornton, I own Shug’s Baked Goods, LLC in Goose Creek, SC. I am an Active Duty Air Force spouse, homeschooling mom, I have 4 kids and am pretty active within my homeschooling community. When I am not doing all of that, I am busy creating flavors, and hand painting chocolate truffles. I started Shug’s at the suggestion of many people in my spouse’s squadron. I am a self taught small batch baker and chocolate maker. I have been baking for about 20 years, although most recently have found my calling with creating and painting truffles. My goal is to not use preservatives in my baked items or in my chocolates. I want my items to be as fresh tasting as possible. I also try to use as many homemade ingredients, as well as local ingredients that I can for an extraordinary end result. I will have several specials coming up for the holidays! Most notably, new flavors of truffles, as well as tiny elf cakes and cookies (for elf on the shelf) Both of these items will be a part of my after Thanksgiving sale which can be found on Shug’s Baked Goods, LLC Facebook page; I cannot wait to bake for you! WAF community please message me with the code WAFFreeship for free shipping in the continental US, on your purchase of $25+. 1 ship code per person.
Doggy Style Co.
Hello! My name is Hayley and I created Doggy Style Co. I got started (like many) during COVID while we were stationed in Okinawa. We have two fun loving pups, one of which we got during our time in UPT and the other during our time overseas. They are the inspiration for this business, to create adorable and affordable swag for your pets (cats too!). We have a wide array of patterns to choose from, from jets, to flowers, balls, and squirrels. All patterns are available in bandana, bow-tie, or collar flower! Bandanas can be customized! I can’t wait to get started on all of our holiday prints and characters! Come shop with us & stay in style!
Crichique Boutique
Happy Holidays! I’m Alina Essigmann, the owner and founder of Crichique Boutique. I have been an Air Force wife for almost six years and am the mama to the sweetest little boy. The boutique began while we were stationed in Alaska. I needed something to help me get through the long winters. I started making items for friends and family to help get me through the long winters, and eventually turned it into a business. We primarily offer t-shirts, but also items for your home. New additions will be coming soon for the holiday season and in 2025.
Please use code WAF15 for 15% off when placing an order!
Gnome Hollow Candle & Soap Company
Gnome Hollow Candle & Soap Company is owned and operated by a Navy veteran and his wife. Each candle is hand poured with special care and attention using only soy grown and refined in the USA. All candles are eco-friendly, toxin-free, carcinogen-free, dye-free, and phthalate-free. Our clean certified oils are maximized so that even the largest of rooms smell great. There are over 200 fragrances to choose from throughout the year. We also offer an array of air fresheners for the car or a small room, wax warmers, and of course, gnomes.
Tessa N. Brediger Photography, LLC
I’m Tessa and I’m so excited you’re here. I’m twenty-nine, living in Dayton, Ohio at the moment (but always moving thanks to the Air Force; previously found in metro Atlanta and Ellsworth AFB, currently at Wright-Patterson AFB), married to my best friend Jake, a mom to the sweetest little boys named Will and Ben. and I’m a lover of: a good and smoky single malt Highland scotch, beautiful light, inclusivity, punk rock (I never moved past my emo phase in high school), and I absolutely love, love. I studied journalism in college at Ohio University before moving to the wedding industry. The very first bullet point in the photojournalism code of ethics is to respect truth, however it presents itself and however it plays out. Respect truth. Isn’t that perfect? I’ve always that that’s what a photographer should do when they are allowed into people’s lives. In all my years of doing that, I’ve found so much of the industry only focuses on the end result: the number of likes, the number of reels that can come from an event, if it’s trendy, if it’ll go viral. But that shouldn’t be at the center of your photos. Real life should be the center. Honesty and truth and freedom and love. Those things should be the hallmarks of your wedding day. I’m here to help you see the beauty in the simple, the surprise in the unexpected, the joy in the freedom of letting go. I’m here to help you remember exactly how it felt.
My instagram mostly shows off couples and weddings, but I also photograph documentary family sessions when requested. 20% off any photo session, and 15% off any wedding for the military community, when you mention you found me through this guide!
Rogue Wave Toys
Aloha, I’m Kate Reimann, founder and CEO of Rogue Wave toys and Rogue Wave Materials, mom of two boys, and Air Force spouse. Originally from Michigan, the water has always been a part of my story: summers at Lake Michigan swimming in the sparkling freshwater waves have given way to the warm saltwater sets of Kailua Bay on Oahu. But, regardless of location, protecting these vital bodies of water has become my mission.
When we were stationed in Virginia, a day at the beach inspired me to create a new kind of plastic: one that composts instead of becoming microplastic, and one that’s made from plants. After years of research and development, and then pandemic delays, our first-of-its-kind beach toy finally made it to market! Our patented design is made for big and little hands, durable enough for your kids and sleek enough to carry all three pieces in our thoughtful nesting design. Besides being cute, sleek, and patented, our beach toy was designed to eliminate plastic waste. After its long and playful life with your family at the beach, our toy will compost back to soil – non toxic, and no microplastics left behind.
When you support Rogue Wave, you’re supporting a new way to make products – one that keeps the planet, and your family, in focus.
This holiday season, use code WAFGG to get $15 off your purchase, and give a sustainable, plastic-free future to your loved ones! (Set includes one pail, sifter, and shovel, with soft, antimicrobial hemp rope handle)
MakraftsCo
Hi, I’m Makiyah Gorman. I’m an Air Force pilot currently stationed in South Georgia. In my free time, I design and sell handmade, custom vegan leather dog leashes and collars. I started my business in 2022, and love seeing all the designs people choose for their pets! Our most popular leash is the hands-free leash which you can customize length, hardware, and colors. You can check out my small business at www.makraftsco.com and use code WEB20 for 20% off your order.
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